Carbon - People - Land
Why Kentucky?
Kentucky is an energy producing state; and Kentucky coal fueled the Industrial Revolution. As the global economy demands a shift from coal production to sustainable alternatives, it is important that Kentucky invests in future-proof power generation. The Commonwealth has the unique opportunity to create jobs in economically depressed regions by regaining its position as a leading power producer and embracing renewable energy sources.
Natural Resources
Kentucky land is comprised of abundant sources of renewable feedstock. The Commonwealth’s land area is primarily represented by 42% commercial forests and 42% farmland, much of which is located in and around former coal-producing regions. Kentucky forest and agricultural biomass residuals will prove to be a strategic feedstock in sustainable energy production. Our ambition is to employ Kentucky’s underutilized energy-crop resources.
Human Capital
Kentucky coal miners and the support of eastern Kentucky communities fueled the Industrial Revolution. As the global economy has shifted from coal production, this region has struggled to replace coal jobs with skilled labor positions and the local economy has languished. We aim to de-carbonize the aviation industry by tapping into the ingenuity of Kentucky’s human capital, creating jobs and growing the economy in eastern Kentucky.
Reclaimed Coal Mines
Kentucky is home to hundreds of thousands of acres of reclaimed coal mines. What was once vibrant forest land prior to being mined, is now fallow, unproductive, and fescue laden land. Federal regulations required minimum compaction standards for this reclaimed land, to ensure its stability. By solving one problem, the regulations created another. The compaction standard was so high that it severely stunts the growth of native timber species and crops. By planting energy-crop feedstocks (e.g., switchgrass), this underutilized land can capture carbon and revitalize the compacted soils of eastern Kentucky.